The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), in collaboration with Germany's r0g agency for Open Culture, successfully implemented the YoMIL project, which has impacted every region of The Gambia. Over the past few months, this initiative has trained a remarkable total of 280 young women.
The concluding workshop represents a pivotal milestone in the project’s commitment to empowering young women and girls with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the media landscape with confidence and integrity.
During her address to the participants, Project Manager Meta Touray highlighted that YoMIL transcends traditional journalism, reaching women in communications, civil society, film, and various media-related domains. "Our aim is to ensure women are not merely participants in the media, but are at the forefront, leading and shaping it," she stated. "It's about equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to make your voice resonate and drive change."
The training encompasses media and information literacy, ethics, and media laws. Participants actively engage in creating the Women in Media Guide, a vital resource that captures the realities and challenges encountered by Gambian women in the media industry. Currently underway, this guide will be available in both print and digital formats, including a dedicated app, to maximise accessibility and reach a broader audience.
The guide is currently being crafted by one of The Gambia's trailblazing female editors, Marie Ngum, who is actively collecting firsthand insights from participants across all regions. “This guide will embody your voices, your stories, and your realities,” she emphasised to the participants, adding, “This is not something you can find on Google; it belongs to us, and it begins here.”
Banna Sabally, the Project Coordinator, emphasised that the workshop is crafted to be exceptionally interactive, uniting women from diverse sectors such as civil society organisations, student press clubs, and universities. “What truly matters is not your level of experience, but your enthusiasm and readiness to learn and make a contribution,” she stated.
Alongside the training sessions, the YoMIL project features a podcast and a radio talk show series that tackle region-specific challenges confronting women and girls.
In previous regions, discussions ranged from teenage pregnancy to limited career opportunities due to restrictive gender roles. Kanifing participants will similarly create content highlighting local challenges, amplifying voices that are often left unheard.
As the project approaches its conclusion, preparations are in full swing for The Gambia's inaugural Women in Media Conference. This landmark event will bring together participants, industry leaders, and trailblazers to exchange experiences, forge connections, and cultivate mentorship. It is considered a pivotal move toward ensuring the longevity and ongoing impact of the YoMIL initiative.
Backed by influential figures, including the First Lady, the YoMIL project symbolises a powerful commitment to inclusion and empowerment. "We are not just training women; we are building a movement," stated Meta Touray.
